Party Caucus

Written by Jonathan Milner

Definition

A meeting of all the members of one party in a chamber of Congress to choose party leaders and plan legislative strategy. House Republicans call theirs a "conference."

Example

At the start of each new Congress, the House Democratic Caucus and House Republican Conference meet separately to elect their leaders.

 

Questions

  1. Define party caucus and identify what Republicans call theirs.

  2. Explain the main jobs of a party caucus.

  3. Describe how a party caucus selects leaders such as the Speaker nominee.

  4. Explain how party caucuses contribute to party-line voting.

  5. Explain the difference between a party caucus and a caucus election.

  6. Identify one way a caucus can pressure members who break with the party.

  7. Describe how party caucuses connect to political polarization in Congress.

  8. Should members of Congress vote with their party or their district? Explain.

  9. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept party caucus?

  10. Translate party caucus into plain English.

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw a party caucus! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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GoPo Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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